Griffen: No,
persistence. Ever since the winter fantasy ball I have been looking for you.

Iris: Well,
hello, Evan. I said hello.

Evan: Not now,
Iris.

Iris: Why not?
The whole office is talking about your bout with Sam over Amanda. I am glad to
see there is not any real physical damage.

Evan: There
wasn't any.

Iris: So, what
is next? Oh, are you in training for the rematch?

Sam: I should
not even be talking to you about this.

Olivia: Sam,
you have to talk to somebody.

Sam: Look, it
is between me and Amanda.

Olivia: I can
see how much you are hurting. Hey, hey--look, if you need a friend... it's gonna
be all right.

Amanda: Hi,
Mom.

Rachel: You all
right?

["Silent Night"
playing]

Amanda: Any
calls for me?

Rachel: No,
sweetie.

Amanda: Oh, I
just thought, maybe...

Rachel: You
have not heard from Sam yet?

Amanda: No, but
I have a pretty good idea of where he is.

Rachel: Well,
why donít you go to him?

Amanda: No, bad
idea.

Rachel: Ok.

Amanda: Good,
because I really canít.

Rachel: Oh,
honey. I know Sam loves you very much.

Amanda: I love
him, too.

Rachel: Well,
then, that is all that matters.

Amanda: I know
it matters, Mom. I'm just not sure if it is enough.

[Boisterous
laughter]

Matt: I'm
supporting the economy.

Rachel: I can
see that.

Matt: Dad
wanted to take off, but I dragged him in here. I knew everyone would be glad to
see him. Wait till you see the stores!

Matt: Ha--what
do you think? Pretty nice, huh?

Amanda: It's
great. Alli will love it, really.

Matt: Gosh, you
know, shopping for kids is so easy. All you do is pick out all the toys you
still want.

Amanda: Sure,
Matt.

Rachel: Let me
take your coat.

Mitch: I canít
stay long.

Matt: What do
you mean, you canít stay long? You have to try Hildaís famous eggnog. It is
delicious, isnít it?

Amanda:
Yeah--yeah, it's delicious.

Matt: Yeah, it
sort of has this funny texture that takes a while to get used to, but once you
get that, it's--

Amanda: I tell
you what, why donít I go get you some, ok?

Matt: Ok, why
no what's wrong with her?

Rachel: A lot
on her mind.

Matt: Hmm, this
family, I'll tell you.

Rachel: Well,
did you buy out the shops?

Matt: No, no,
no, no, no. We are not near through our shopping experience. But if you are good
and you come up to my room, I'll show you what I got for Josie. That is, if you
wonít let her get it out of you.

Rachel: No, I
promise I will not let her get it out of me.

Matt: Good, it
is a deal. I'm going to go check on the eggnog.

Mitch: It's
good to see Matthew enjoying the holidays this year.

Rachel: It's
nice that somebody is.

Mitch: He told
me about his plans for New Yearís Eve with Josie. They sound nice.

Rachel: I can
remember being as excited as he is at that age.

Mitch: Yes, I
know the feeling.

Rachel: It is
nice. He is trying to make it a happy Christmas for everyone.

Mitch: I hope
he's not fighting a losing battle.

Rachel: I think
he is this year.

Mitch: Want to
tell me?

Rachel: Sam and
Evan got into a major fight today.

Mitch: About
what?

Rachel: Amanda.

Mitch: Great.

Rachel:
Apparently, Sam had found some note Evan had written to Amanda.

Mitch: What
kind of note?

Rachel: I do
not know the details. All I know is Sam came over to the office and he took some
punches at Evan.

Mitch: As if
that is going to solve something. Was anybody hurt?

Rachel: Some
bruises.

Mitch:
I'll--I'll talk to Sam.

Rachel: Thanks,
I have tried talking to Amanda. It does not do any good.

Mitch: Are you
all right?

Rachel: Yeah,
I'm fine. I--I have some phone calls I should be making.

Mitch: Ok,
fine, fine. You know, Matthew was the one that insisted that I come in here, and
he--anyway, I do not have to stay for the eggnog.

Rachel: I think
it would be better. I will explain it to him.

Mitch: Before I
go... ...I wanted to give you this present. Merry Christmas.

[Knock on door]

Matt: Amanda?
Amanda, I know you are in there. I'm coming in. What are you doing, hoarding all
the eggnog in here?

Amanda: No,
nothing like that.

Matt: Hey, hey,
what is the matter?

Amanda:
Nothing, I am fine.

Matt: I hate to
break this to you, but you are a wreck.

Amanda: I am
not.

Matt: Amanda,
you do not cry over nothing. What's it, Christmas?

Amanda: No.

Matt: I know it
is hard with--without Mac here.

Amanda: Yeah,
yeah, it is. But it is not that. This time it's Sam.

Matt: Why, what
happened?

Amanda: Oh, a
lot happened. All of it bad. And it's not over.

Matt: Why,
what? Tell me, fill me in.

Amanda: Sam is
still furious with me. We had the worst fight.

Matt: I'm
sorry.

Amanda: I
really think he hates me.

Matt: He does
not hate you.

Amanda: You did
not see him. You did not hear what he said. He came right into the office and
he--

Matt: Amanda,
why donít you tell me exactly what happened?

Amanda: I am
scared, Matt. I'm really scared.

Sam: Listen, I
should get going.

Olivia: Ok.

Sam: Where is
my jacket?

Olivia: It's
right here.

Sam: You're all
moved in, right?

Olivia: Mm-hmm.
Well, listen, I--I have a dance class, but I'm going to be free later if you
want to call, talk some more.

Sam: I'm kind
of talked out.

Olivia: Are you
going to try to paint?

Sam: What, now?

Olivia: Working
usually makes me feel better.

Sam: I donít
think it's going to help.

Olivia: Well,
try. And if it doesn't, you can always call. I will be here.

Sam: I'm not
real good company these days.

Olivia: You
have listened to me so much. I would really like to return the favor if I can.

Sam: Thanks, I
appreciate that.

Olivia: And
remember, you can always call.

Sam: See you.

Olivia: Sam?
What are you going to do?

Sam: What has
to be done.

Josie: I saw
you with Sam.

Olivia: So?

Josie: In his
arms.

Olivia: He was
upset.

Josie:
Olivia...

Olivia: I was
comforting him.

Josie: I got
that part.

Olivia: Sam is
my friend. I was trying to help.

Josie: Olivia,
I think Sam is more than a friend to you or--or at least you are hoping he will
be.

Olivia: That is
ridiculous.

Josie: Oh, come
on.

Olivia: He is
married.

Josie: Well,
that never stopped you before, from what I've heard.

Olivia: Have
you been talking to Aunt Liz?

Josie: Ok, ok,
ok, fine. Donít be honest with me. I'm just your sister. But at least be honest
with yourself before you do something really stupid.

Evan: So,
everybody at Cory knows Sam hates my guts.

Iris: Yes, and
everybody has a pretty good idea of why, too.

Evan: So what?

Iris: So it
might compromise your effectiveness with the staff.

Evan: Iris, Sam
is the one that made a fool of himself, not me.

Iris: Oh, and
you parading your little affair around the office is not embarrassing? I donít
want any gossip, and I donít want any negative publicity.

Evan: What
difference does it make to you?

Iris: If it
affects Cory, it affects me.

Evan: Why donít
you give it a rest, Iris--?

Iris: No. You,
Rachel, and Amanda--work seems to be an afterthought with all of you.

Evan: That's
not true.

Iris: Oh? You
have not pulled off any major deal in months. You are so busy tutoring little
Amanda.

Evan: That is
because Rachel asked me to help her, so I did.

Iris: And you
didnít get very many thanks, did you? She is furious with you. You know, I used
to think you were really ambitious. I used to think that maybe we could work
together, maybe again.

Evan: I work
for Rachel.

Iris: Yes, but
for how long? Particularly if that little situation with Amanda is not resolved.

Evan: It will
be.

Iris: Perhaps
not the way you want it to be. You know, I wouldnít interfere with your personal
life.

Evan: And I
would never work for you again.

Iris: That's
too bad.

Evan: See, I
donít like the way you do business, Iris. The lying in wait, taking advantage of
the slightest little problem.

Iris: Donít
give me that. We work exactly the same way.

Evan: No, you
and I are nothing alike anymore.

Iris: Oh, ho,
ho--did I get a nerve?

Evan: Why donít
you just buzz off? You know, you are really starting to bother me.

Iris: We are
alike, Evan, you and I. We go after what we want and to hell with the niceties.
It is such a pity that you are concentrating on Amanda instead of something that
is really important.

Evan: I need a
shower.

Iris: Oh, by
the way, I never did ask you--what happened with you and Vicky Hudson? I told
Amanda I thought you were the absolutely perfect couple.

Evan: Would you
excuse me?

Frankie: Evan,
where's the fire?

Evan: I'm
sorry, Frankie.

Frankie: You
ok?

Evan: Yeah, I'm
great.

Iris: Oh,
hello, darling. Are you here for a massage?

Lucas: Yeah,
George is waiting for me.

Iris: Oh, do
you know, suddenly I wish I could change places with George.

Lucas: Well,
why donít you talk to the owner? I hear she's a regular broad.

Iris: I just
might do that except that I have an appointment at Tops.

Lucas: Well,
maybe some other time.

Iris: Yeah, I
would like that.

Lucas: Ok,
well, have a good time.

Iris: How good?

Lucas: Well, as
good as you can without me.

Iris: I will
struggle through.

Griffen: You
avoiding him?

Frankie: No.

Griffen: Seemed
like it.

Frankie: Call
me crazy, but I am not in the habit of being chummy with my ex-bosses.

Griffen: Oh.

Frankie:
Especially when I left under hasty circumstances.

Griffen: Makes
sense.

Frankie: I
thought so. You know Lucas, donít you?

Griffen: Not
very well.

Frankie: I
didnít get that impression the other night.

Griffen: The
other night?

Frankie: Yeah,
he warned me about you.

Griffen: Did he
now?

Frankie: Yeah,
he said you were a real Don Juan.

Griffen: Does
that bother you?

Cass: There you
are. We have to talk. Would you excuse us, please?

Frankie: You do
not give me orders anymore, Winthrop. I do not work for you.

Iris: Yes, I
was just saying to Richard I must show you some of the proposals he has brought
along.

Richard:
Actually, Iris and I were just talking about your sculptures.

Iris: He is a
great fan of yours.

Rachel: Oh, I
am flattered.

Richard: But
Iris tells me you've given that all up.

Iris: Look, why
donít I leave you two to discuss this art world? I really have to check into the
office. I will be back shortly.

Richard: Of
course. Do not rush. May I pour you a glass of wine?

Rachel: No,
thank you.

Richard: Now,
where were we? Oh, yes--your work.

Rachel: Oh, my
work is at Cory now.

Richard: Do not
tell me you plan to stay on there permanently.

Rachel: Well, I
think it is what my husband would want.

Richard: Is it
what you want?

Rachel: I beg
your pardon?

Richard: I know
you want to honor his wishes and everything, but does that sort of life suit an
artistic temperament?

Rachel: I am
afraid I do not understand you.

Richard: Well,
deadlines, power plays, politics--I mean, that can be all-consuming. I find it
hard to picture you enjoying that kind of life.

Rachel: Well,
the art world can be very all-consuming also.

Richard: Ah,
you're right-- absolutely right. I mean, it is achieving a balance that is
important. That is why I have some very strict rules for myself.

Rachel: Really?

Richard:
Jogging every morning, 4 vacations a year--

Rachel: Ah,
must be very nice to have a job where you can be that flexible.

Richard:
[Chuckles] I insist on it. I mean, you have to. Tell me, if you had a choice and
you could go anywhere, where would you go?

Rachel: My
husband and I used to discuss this.

Richard: Oh, I
am sorry.

Rachel: No, do
not be. It happens.

Richard: Do you
like tennis?

Rachel: I beg
your pardon?

Richard:
Tennis, is that your sport?

Rachel: Well, I
donít know if I'd call it my sport. I play a little--used to play with my
husband.

Richard: Well,
excellent. I have a pass to an indoor court. Maybe we could get together and
play a few sets?

Rachel: I'm
afraid I wouldnít have time for that--

Richard: No, it
is a great release.

Mitch: I was
surprised to see you.

Rachel: Richard
Mallory, this is Mitch Blake. Mitch, this is Richard.

Mitch: Richard?

Richard: Nice
to meet you.

Mitch: I was
looking for Felicia. You have not seen her by any chance, have you?

Rachel: No, not
since I came in. Felicia owns the restaurant-- Mitchís wife.

Richard: Oh, it
is very comfortable.

Mitch: Well,
I'll tell her that you said that. I'm sure she'd be glad to hear it.

Iris: Oh,
Mitch, there you are. I have been trying to reach you. Lucas wants us to do a
new spread for the premiere issue and we have to shoot it absolutely
immediately. Oh, would you excuse us please while we discuss this?

Mitch: Excuse
me. Nice to meet you.

Richard: I hope
I am not making you uncomfortable.

Rachel: No, I
afraid I am doing that all by myself. I think maybe this was a mistake.

Richard: Oh,
please do not say that. I can handle a few awkward moments.

Rachel: I am
sure you can. I do not think I can, though. If you will excuse me.

Richard: Oh,
must you leave so soon?

Rachel: I think
so. It was awfully nice to meet you.

Richard: Can I
offer you a lift somewhere?

Rachel: No, I'm
fine. I think I need a walk. Goodnight.

Mitch: Iris, if
you want to shoot it at night, that is workable.

Iris: Well, if
we could get the museum, that would be a fantastic backdrop.

Mitch: Well, if
you get the museum that is going to cost you. What you're proposing, Iris, is
very expensive.

Iris: Oh, well,
do not worry about that. I will just get my secretary to organize it in the
morning. Do you want a drink?

Mitch: Well, if
you like, I'll gladly get you something.

Iris: Thank
you.

Mitch: Should
be no problem. I, after all, do know the owner.

Iris:
[Chuckles] True.

Mitch: Oh,
actually, there was something I wanted to--to show you.

Iris: Oh, what
is this? It is a dance card from the ball?

Mitch: It is
Rachelís dance card. By any chance, do you know the last name there?

Iris: Ken
Jordan? No, never heard of him.

Mitch: I
thought you wrote out the cards.

Iris: Well, not
personally, no.

Mitch: So you
have no idea how the name "Ken Jordan" got on Rachelís card?

Iris: No, I am
familiar with every name on the list and his was not on it.

Mitch: Are you
sure?

Iris:
Absolutely. I greeted everyone as they arrived, and there was not anybody called
Ken Jordan.

Matt: You know
something? What--you know what is going on between Sam and Amanda?

Josie: Well,
I--I should not really say that. I do not really know. But I saw something a
little while ago that may be part of it.

Josie: I know,
I know. That--that is the only reason why I am repeating this. I mean, I do not
want to cause any problems.

Matt: Josie,
Josie, please.

Josie: Ok. When
I came back to the apartment a little while ago... Sam was here with Olivia.

Matt: Yeah,
he--he was helping her unpack.

Josie: She had
her arms around him.

Matt: I know
they have gotten to be good friends while they're here.

Josie: It's
mo--it's more than that. I asked her about it.

Matt: What did
she say?

Josie: Well,
she--she got angry and she said "no, there is nothing going on between me and
Sam," but...

Matt: What, but
you do not believe that, or what?

Josie: It was
the way she acted. She likes him, Matt, I can tell. And she was--she was going
on and on about how Amanda does not appreciate her own husband--

Matt: Wait,
wait--what?

Josie: Olivia
would kill me if she knew I was saying this, but I think she is after Sam.

Griffen: And
step coupe. And step coupe. And--good, and step coupe--and hold. Hold it, hold
it. Focus, focus. Arm off the bar. Arm off the bar. Go. Good. Good. Excellent.
You keep working this hard, I think there is a good chance you will make the
company.

Olivia: Do you
mean it?

Griffen: Have I
said it before?

Olivia: No.

Griffen: All
right, then. I mean it.

Olivia: Thank
you.

Griffen: That
is it? No pirouettes? I thought you would be excited.

Olivia: I am.

Griffen: Well,
if this is excited, you have changed.

Olivia: Well,
maybe I have. I have realized that there are more things in life besides dance.

Cass: "The
future," she says-- as if I'm supposed to sign my name on some dotted line when
she is not even talking to me. She is crazy. This is crazy. I am crazy.

Griffen: Well,
the place is emptying out.

Olivia: Do you
want to go on?

Griffen: I
would rather we didnít, if that is all right. I've got something I have to take
care of.

Olivia: So do
I. I was just about to ask you if I could go home early.

Griffen: Oh.

Olivia: I am
expecting a very important phone call.

Griffen: Well,
then, you better hurry.

Olivia: All
right. Goodnight.

Griffen:
Goodnight.

Olivia: Thank
you.

Griffen: You
are welcome.

Sam: I do not
believe this. You're accusing me of going after Olivia Matthews?

Amanda: You
just left her side.

Sam: Yeah, I
was helping her move stuff into her new apartment.

Amanda: Is that
all?

Sam: She is a
kid, Amanda.

Amanda: She may
look like an innocent kid, but I have had a lot of people warn me about her.

Sam: Oh, yeah?
What people?

Amanda: It does
not matter.

Sam: Yes, I
think it does.

Amanda: Aunt
Liz told me that she was very infatuated with older men the entire time she
lived in Europe.

Sam: Oh, yeah,
Liz. She never jumps to conclusions, does she?

Amanda: The
girl is always around here.

Sam: Yeah,
well, she is sitting for me, remember that? Where is she supposed to be?

Amanda: Isnít
it funny that she is always available for you?

Sam: Unlike
you.

Amanda: Liz is
not the only one that has noticed this.

Sam: Who else?

Amanda: Evan.

Sam: Oh, man.
Of course he would say that and of course you would believe him.

Amanda: I have
seen the way she looks at you.

Sam: She's not
writing me love letters. She is not canceling our reservations. She has been a
good friend to me, unlike your pal, Evan. And please, do not give me that
garbage about how good he has been to you and your family. I am sick of that.
That guy--the only person that guy wants to help is himself.

Amanda: God, it
is all black and white to you, isnít it? You are good, Olivia is good, and Evan
and I are bad.

Sam: My
conscience is clear on this matter. Is yours? I've never kissed Olivia. Can you
say the same thing about Evan? Yeah, well, I thought so. All right, let us get
real. When are you going to face up to the fact of what you did--what you did to
us... not some kid with a crush?

Amanda: All
right, look, maybe I was wrong about Olivia, ok, but we still have to talk about
Evan. We can work this out, Sam. I know we can.

Sam: I gave you
a choice, Amanda, and whether or not you know it, you have made it.

Amanda: Sam!
Sam! Sam!

Frankie: Ok,
concentrate. Oh, Winthrop, if I could just sweat you out of my system. Phew, I
just--this is a waste of my time. I'm throwing in the towel. Huh, great. Oh,
come on. Donít be stuck. I've overstayed my time in here as it is. Please?